Piraeus Port outperforms on debut
Stocks ended higher yesterday, with investor sentiments lifted by positive bank results and Piraeus Port’s highflying debut. The benchmark general share index added 0.67 percent to 2,147.14 points. Blue chips gained 0.81 percent to 1,074.41 points after two major banks beat market expectations with higher first-half earnings. Alpha Bank reported slightly better than expected first-half net profits before the market opened, boosted by solid core earnings and spectacular gains in trading income. Alpha shares steadied at 17.98 euros, not far short of a near 18-month high of 18.80 euros set late last month. Piraeus Port, the country’s largest port, made a sparkling debut, gaining 31.14 percent to 11.54 euros. Mid-caps lost 0.29 percent to 236.97 points as small-caps advanced 0.59 percent to 681.15 points. Turnover rose to 193.25 million euros, with 38.6 million shares traded. Winners led losers 177 to 134, with 54 shares unchanged on 365 traded. (Reuters)
